French First Lady Brigitte Macron is facing widespread criticism after a video emerged showing her using a sexist slur against feminist activists who recently disrupted a show by actor-comedian Ary Abittan, who had been previously accused of rape. Macron’s office clarified that her intention was to criticize what she called the protesters’ “radical method” of activism, but the incident has ignited a heated public debate in France.
The Incident at Folies Bergère
The controversial video, recorded backstage at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris, shows Brigitte Macron speaking with Ary Abittan before a performance on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
The night before, feminist campaigners had disrupted Abittan’s show, wearing masks of the actor labeled “rapist” and chanting accusations of sexual misconduct. Abittan had faced an allegation of rape in 2021, but French authorities dropped the case in 2023 due to insufficient evidence.
In the video, after Abittan expressed that he was feeling anxious, Macron was heard jokingly saying in French, “If there are any stupid bitches, we’ll kick them out” — a vulgar remark that quickly sparked backlash across social media and news outlets.
Activists Embrace and Reclaim the Insult
The feminist group Nous Toutes (“All of Us”), which organized the protest, emphasized that their demonstration aimed to challenge the culture of impunity surrounding sexual violence in France.
Rather than condemning the insult, many activists turned it into a rallying cry on social media using the hashtag #sallesconnes. Prominent figures, including actress Judith Godrèche, shared the hashtag in solidarity, with Godrèche, a well-known feminist voice, posting:
“We too are stupid bitches.”
An activist participating in the protest, speaking under the pseudonym Gwen, said they were “profoundly shocked and scandalized” by Macron’s language, calling it “yet another insult to victims and feminist groups.”
Brigitte Macron’s Response
The First Lady’s team stated that the remark should be interpreted as criticism of the radical tactics employed by protesters, not as a personal attack on women or feminist movements.
Despite the explanation, the comment has drawn significant public scrutiny, highlighting ongoing tensions around gender, language, and activism in France.
Broader Context: Sexual Assault and #MeToo in France
This controversy comes amid a heightened national focus on sexual misconduct in France’s cultural sector. High-profile cases in recent years have shaken public confidence in the industry:
- Gérard Depardieu was convicted in May 2025 of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021 and is facing trial for an alleged 2018 rape of an actor. He denies wrongdoing.
- French President Emmanuel Macron previously expressed support for the presumption of innocence in Depardieu’s case, calling earlier criticism a “manhunt.”
Political Reactions
Brigitte Macron’s comments have drawn criticism across the political spectrum:
- Left-wing critics, including former French President François Hollande, condemned the remark as vulgar and inappropriate, calling for an apology. Hollande told RTL:
“There’s a problem of vulgarity.”
- Right-wing voices, including National Rally lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy, defended Macron, arguing the comments were made in private and taken out of context. Speaking to BFMTV, Tanguy said:
“If each of us were filmed backstage saying things with friends, I think there would be plenty to comment on. All of this is very hypocritical.”
Social Media and Public Debate
The incident has sparked a wider conversation on social media about the role of public figures, gendered language, and feminist activism in France. Many users have debated whether Brigitte Macron’s remark reflects broader societal issues or simply a private joke caught on camera.
Conclusion:
The backlash against Brigitte Macron highlights ongoing societal tensions in France surrounding sexual assault, feminist activism, and the use of sexist language by public figures. While her team insists the comment was aimed at protest methods rather than individuals, the incident underscores how private remarks by public personalities can quickly escalate into national controversy.
Leave a Reply